CDC issues Zika travel, testing guidance for Brownsville, TX

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued Zika-related travel and testing guidance for pregnant women, women who may become pregnant and their sexual partners in Brownsville, Cameron County, TX, after Texas health officials say five cases of the virus in that area were spread locally by mosquitos. Because temperatures in the area are “still conducive to mosquito-borne transmission,” the agency has designated the area as a Zika cautionary area. “We are working closely with Texas to gather and analyze new information every day. With the new information that there has been local spread of Zika for at least several weeks, we conclude that pregnant women should avoid the Brownsville area – and make every effort to prevent mosquito bites if they live or work there,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. “Together with Texas officials we are working to protect pregnant women from the potentially devastating effects of this virus.” The agency also recommends that pregnant women who live in, traveled to, or had unprotected sex with someone who lives in or traveled to Brownsville on or after Oct. 29 be tested in accordance with agency guidance.